Another Rivers rep dumps PDP for APC

Chisom Dike, a member of the house of representatives, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house, announced Dike’s defection on the floor of the green chamber on Thursday.

Dike, who represents Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo federal constituency, is the second PDP lawmaker from Rivers to have decamped to the ruling party in the ninth assembly. Ephraim Nwuzi, who represents Etche/Omuma federal constituency, joined the APC in October 2020.

Dike said he defected to the APC because of the “division and constant crisis” in the PDP.

However, Ossai Ossai, a member of the PDP, protested against the defection.

Ossai said Dike did not present “satisfactory evidence” that there is a crisis in the opposition party.

But he was ruled out of order by Gbajabiamila, who said only the court has the power to adjudicate on the issue.

At this point, the APC members on the floor cheered while Ado Doguwa, the majority leader, said more PDP members will defect to the APC next week.

Ndudi Elumelu, the minority leader, raised a point of order and said it is “funny” for the APC members to be happy over defections while there is insecurity across the country.

He said until the APC government is able to provide security, Nigeria is not safe.